On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada publicly defended the recent executions of four men convicted of murder in Afghanistan, stating that such punishments are part of Islam and a divine command. The executions, carried out in sports stadiums, marked the highest number in a single day since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
In a 45-minute speech to Hajj instructors in Kandahar province, Akhundzada emphasized the comprehensive nature of Islam, asserting it includes both religious and judicial components. He dismissed the relevance of Western legal standards in Afghanistan and reiterated the Taliban’s commitment to implementing Islamic law.
The executions followed a Supreme Court decision and were supported by the victims’ families, who declined to grant clemency. Despite international criticism, including from human rights groups and the United Nations, the Taliban government continues to seek improved relations with the global community.
